Healthcare Facility Structures: Designer Assist & Construction

Healthcare Facility construction requires precision and adaptability. Novum Designer Assist facilitates a seamless transition from design through construction. We guide projects from the first sketch to the final installation. 

In this blog, we’ll look at three key projects—UCHealth Steadman Hawkins Clinic, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. These examples highlight how Novum delivers custom architectural solutions that meet the specific demands of medical construction. We’ll also discuss the importance of accurate budgeting and tailored solutions in these complex projects.

What Makes Us Different

Our approach to healthcare facility design goes beyond standard construction practices, providing custom solutions that meet the complex demands of medical design and construction. Novum Structures is more than a typical contractor. We offer a unique, all-inclusive Designer Assist service from engineering and manufacturing to installation. This single-source approach allows us to provide accurate pricing at every stage of your project. 

Our real-time budgeting gives the architectural team immediate feedback, making it easier to explore different design ideas without losing sight of the budget.

We excel at working with a wide range of budgets. With in-house engineering, fabrication, project management, and installation teams, we control the bottom line from start to finish. The earlier we get involved, the better we can manage costs while preserving your design vision. Our process eliminates the need for value engineering, ensuring that your project fulfills the design intent. 

Differing-Radii Curved-Wall Facade with Flat Glass

The lobby facade at UCHealth Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Denver, Colorado, is a striking example of complex design and engineering. The facade, measuring 2,400 square feet, features a curved wall with varying radii. Despite the curves, flat glass panels were used throughout the structure. This required precise engineering and fabrication.

Novum Structures supported the entire process. We engineered, fabricated, and installed the facade. Architecturally Exposed Steel (AES) and Tension Rods provided the necessary support. The horizontal steel members were custom-painted and curved to match the wall’s unique geometry. The result is a modern, one-of-a-kind lobby space that enhances the clinic’s interior and exterior design​.

Seismic Resistant Canopy Glazing

At Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa, Novum designed a canopy that not only looks beautiful but is also built to withstand earthquakes. This 1,080-square-foot canopy required careful consideration of seismic activity. The canopy is clad with low iron laminated glass, giving it a clean, modern look.

Novum used custom 4-arm stainless steel spiders to support the glass. These spiders were specifically designed to accommodate seismic movement. This means that even during an earthquake, the glass will remain secure. 

We coordinated with other trades to integrate a sprinkler system into the canopy. The sprinkler system was threaded through the glazing arm attachment brackets and concealed above the steel structure. 

As Kaiser Permanente noted, “Novum coordinated with other trades to ensure the sprinkler system could be threaded through the glazing arm attachment brackets and hidden above the steel.” The result is a stunning, functional addition to the medical center​.

Cantilevered Canopy Hidden Engineering Solution

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia features a beautifully detailed canopy that cantilevers 15 feet on each side. This 2,500-square-foot structure required both aesthetic and functional precision. The central beam is curved in plan and connects seamlessly with the building behind it.

Novum developed custom box sections to conceal lighting within the beam. This feature not only illuminates the canopy at night but also enhances its architectural appeal. 

The glass used in the canopy includes a custom frit pattern that evokes the autumn season. This design adds a unique, seasonal touch to the hospital’s exterior. The combination of careful engineering and thoughtful design makes this canopy a standout feature of the hospital​.

Designer Assist Construction Process

Novum Structures Designer Assist Construction Process is a key factor in delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions. We become involved early in the project lifecycle, which allows us to provide accurate budgeting from the very start. This early involvement helps us manage costs effectively and preserves the design vision throughout the project.

Our project management team is reliable and proactive. We coordinate closely with other trades to ensure seamless integration of all elements. For example, in the Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa project, we ensured that the sprinkler system was threaded through the glazing arm attachment brackets and hidden above the steel. This attention to detail and coordination ensures that all components work together harmoniously, resulting in a cohesive and functional design​.

By assisting with every aspect of the project, from initial sketches to final installation, Novum ensures that each project stays within budget and meets all design and functional requirements. This comprehensive approach is what makes Novum Structures a leader in healthcare facility design and construction.

Custom Structural Engineering Solutions

The success of our projects lies in Novum’s expertise in Custom Structural Engineering. Each healthcare facility has unique challenges that require tailored solutions. For instance, the flat-glass facade with differing radii at UCHealth Steadman Hawkins Clinic showcases our ability to engineer complex structures that push the boundaries of design​. 

Similarly, the custom box sections used at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to hide lighting elements demonstrate our attention to detail and commitment to creating visually appealing and functional structures​.

Novum Designer Assist for Medical Design & Construction

Novum Structures offers comprehensive support during the design & construction of medical facilities. We provide custom architectural solutions that meet the specific needs of healthcare facilities. 

Our commitment to accurate budgeting and tailored engineering ensures that each project fulfills its intended purpose and stands as a testament to innovative design and construction. If you are planning an upcoming project, we invite you to book a consultation with Novum Structures to explore how our expertise can bring your vision to life.